Albania's ethnic Greek ex-mayor granted leave from prison for European Parliament opening

In recent news from Tirana, Albania, the prison department has granted a five-day leave to former mayor Fredis Beleris, a member of the European Parliament, to attend the opening session of the new European Parliament in Strasbourg. Beleris, who holds dual Greek and Albanian citizenship, won a seat in the EU legislature representing the New Democracy party. The leave, from July 15-20, comes amidst his conviction for attempting to buy votes in a municipal election, leading to his imprisonment. Albania, a former communist country and current NATO member, has a complex relationship with Greece, particularly concerning issues of minority rights and cross-border communities. Beleris' case has further strained ties between Tirana and Athens, with Greece expressing concerns that it could impact Albania's EU membership application. Despite being a member of the European Parliament, Beleris is serving time for a crime committed outside the EU, limiting the impact of legal immunity typically enjoyed by MEPs. The Supreme Court of Albania recently upheld the lower courts' decision to keep Beleris in prison for two years for vote-buying. Beleris, who was elected mayor of Himare but never sworn in due to his arrest, continues to deny the charges against him. The case has sparked political tensions and raised questions about the rule of law and political motivations behind his detention. As Albania navigates its path towards EU membership, the handling of cases like Beleris' becomes a focal point in assessing the country's commitment to democratic principles and combating corruption. With Beleris' leave request pending approval, the situation remains fluid as the European Parliament session approaches. The ongoing legal proceedings and political implications underscore the challenges Albania faces in balancing its internal governance issues with external expectations for transparency and accountability. As the country grapples with these complexities, the outcome of Beleris' case could have broader implications for Albania's international relationships and aspirations for EU integration.